Hair loss treatment: Two supplements proven to block the mechanism that causes hair loss

HAIR LOSS treatments vary in their effectiveness but some of the most promising are those that halt the underlying mechanisms that cause hair loss. Two supplements have been shown to block DHT - a common trigger of hair loss. Hair loss has many causes but the leading cause in men is male-pattern baldness. This form of hair loss is usually permanent and runs in the family, according to the NHS. It usually follows a pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown. According to Dr Zenon Andreou at Superdrug, the condition is caused by sensitivity to a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). "DHT prevents nutrients from being absorbed by hair follicles, which causes them to shrink and eventually cease to grow hair," he said. This understanding has prompted researchers to investigate whether medicines that block the effects of this hormone can stop or even reverse the effects of male pattern baldness. Research has proven there is some substance to this speculation. READ MORE: Hair loss treatment: The popular cooking oil that could stimulate hair growth Taking finasteride - an oral, prescription-only medication - arguably provides the strongest evidence. It’s documented as having at least an 87 percent success rate in one study on 3,177 men, with few noted side effects. Finasteride binds to 5-AR proteins to block DHT from binding with them. This helps keep DHT from binding to receptors on your hair follicles and keeps them from shrinking. A natural alternative that has been shown to block DHT is pumpkin seed oil. DON'T MISS Hair loss treatment: The natural shampoo shown to stimulate hair growth [TIPS] How to live longer: Popular tea which reduces mortality rate by a third to boost longevity [TIPS] How to live longer: The herbal tea that may play a role in preventing and treating cancer [TIPS] A study of 76 men with male pattern baldness showed a 40 percent increase in average scalp hair count after taking 400 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil every day for 24 weeks. One scientific theory for how pumpkin seed works for hair loss is that the oil’s phytosterols promote hair growth. Phytosterols are sterols - natural substances found in many plants that supposedly could block enzymes and hormones in your scalp that cause hair loss. In addition to finasteride, minoxidil is the other main drug treatment for male pattern baldness, according to the NHS. As the health body explains, minoxidil can also be used to treat female pattern baldness. Women shouldn't use finasteride. Some wigs are also available on the NHS, but you may have to pay unless you qualify for financial help. There are two types of wigs you can opt for and both come with pros and cons. According to the NHS, synthetic wigs: Real-hair wigs: It is important to not neglect your mental health while mulling over your options. Losing hair can be distressing so you may benefit from talking to someone.